The pomegranate Punica granatum L. belongs to the family Punicaceae. Pomegranate is cultivated in home gardens especially as a medicinal plant and as a fruit tree. There is no other fruit crop that has high medicinal value compared to that in pomegranate. One of the oldest known fruits found in writings and artefacts of many cultures and religions. Pomegranate is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.

1. Alternaria fruit spot: Alternaria alternata

Symptoms:

Small reddish brown circular spots appear on the fruits.

As the disease advances these spots, coalesce to form larger patches and the fruits start rotting.

The fruits get affected which become pale and become unfit for consumption.

Continuous/ intermittent rainfall for a longer period, congenial maximum (29.4 to 35.60C) and minimum temperature (19.5 to 27.30C) and relative humidity (63 to 87 %) were found favourable for the development and spread of the disease.